ANALYTICAL MODELING OF A LARGE LOCAL AREA NETWORK - PART I: INTERNET TRAFFIC CHARACTERIZATION

Abstract

The goal of both IP network operators and the end users is to get the highest performance from the system fora given cost. This makes Performance a key criterion in the design, procurement, and use of computer andcommunication systems.In order to address problems associated with performance degradation of operational communicationssystems, over the last decade, traffic engineering techniques have emerged in an attempt to optimizecommunication systems ' performance and ensure more efficient use of their resources. One of thesetechniques is analytical modeling.Analytic performance models are an excellent tool for quickly evaluating the performance of operational ornew systems. They are also well suited to comparing the performance of several alternative designs.However, analytical models can only be developed once detailed knowledge of characteristics of trafficcarried by a network is available. In Part I of this paper, traffic characterization of traffic carried by thelargest Local Area Network (LAN) in Tanzania, University of Dar es Salaam Network (UDSMNET) is carriedout. In Part II of this paper, an analytical model based on the Discrete Time Markov Modulated PoissonProcess is proposed and validated for performance analysis of IP networks.